Museum and Culture of Hospitality

A museum cannot be neutral, as it is inherently tied to the society in which it operates. It should reflect and engage with contemporary issues such as migration, inclusion, and social justice, providing spaces for dialogue and reflection. Migration museums in Italy offer an opportunity to explore both the phenomenon of Italian emigration to other countries and recent immigration, highlighting the challenges, hopes, and contributions of the diverse communities that have enriched the social fabric of the country (Cimoli, 2000). Migration museums can also serve as platforms for reflecting on the challenges of integration, promoting an inclusive narrative and dispelling stereotypes through culture and art.

According to the interactionist model, dialogue between different cultures not only fosters mutual understanding and respect, but also creates an environment where cultural differences become opportunities for mutual enrichment. In this context, the space itself becomes the result of these interactions, continuously evolving through the relationships established between individuals and groups (Massey, 2005). This ongoing exchange between newcomers and hosts transforms geographical space into a shared place, where new social and cultural practices can redefine the sense of belonging to the territory (Buraschi, 2017). The culture of hospitality plays a fundamental role in shaping the new territorial identities that emerge with migration. When a community is open and welcoming, it fosters the integration of migrants.

The aim of this research is to understand, through the analysis of case studies, including the National Museum of Italian Emigration, La Nave della Sila and the AMIR project, how Italian emigration is narrated by these museums and whether they are indeed spaces where incoming migrants can find and reshape their own space, also promoting a culture of hospitality that facilitates their integration into communities.